In a startling incident in Tontitown, Arkansas on November 3, 2023, law enforcement authorities rescued a 5-year-old girl hidden within a secret compartment of a closet.
The Tontitown Police Department, armed with a bodycam, captured the dramatic moments of the rescue, highlighting the severe conditions endured by the child. John Thompson, the homeowner and resident, and reportedly the girl’s father, faces significant legal repercussions including charges of child endangerment and obstruction of court-ordered custody.
According to the bodycam footage made public by the Tontitown Police Department, the discovery of the young girl occurred when officers responded to Thompson’s residence to execute a search warrant. This operation was in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, with the intent to take custody of the girl based on court orders. Initially, Thompson, a 40-year-old resident of Tontitown, denied the presence of the child in his home.
The situation escalated when, after persistent questioning by the officers and a 30-minute dialogue, officers heard banging noises from behind a wall. It was then that Thompson led them to a concealed area, proceeded to move boxes, and removed a nailed board, revealing a hidden compartment insulated within the closet. This secret space, distressingly small and sealed, was where the child was found. It was described as triangular and tapering from 6-8 feet, down to 2-4 feet.
The girl, upon being rescued, appeared unharmed but visibly shaken by the ordeal. She was immediately taken into protective custody by the Department of Human Services. The precise circumstances leading to the child’s confinement and the duration of her stay in the hidden compartment remain unclear. However, the police report and the subsequent arrest of Thompson indicate a clear violation of child welfare and safety standards.
Thompson had hidden his daughter in the closet so she wouldn’t be taken away by social services.
Thompson, now in custody, faces charges of first-degree child endangerment and interference with court-ordered custody. He has pleaded not guilty to the accusations. The severity of the charges reflects the gravity of the situation and the potential risk to the child’s well-being.
The case remains under investigation, with further details anticipated as the legal proceedings continue.
This incident has garnered significant attention, both locally and nationally, highlighting the critical role of law enforcement and child protective services in safeguarding the well-being of minors. The timely intervention of the Tontitown Police Department and their coordinated efforts with the Department of Human Services were crucial in the successful rescue of the child.
According to Detective Keith Lindley, Thompson was out on bond for a methamphetamine charge when he was arrested.
